French's International Copyrighted (in England, her Colonies, and 
the United States) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors 




" THE GRAY OVERCOAT 



?? 



PS 635 
29 R18 
Copy 1 



A PLAY IN ONE ACT 



BY 

WILLIAM R. RANDALL 



CopyriCxHT, 1915, by SAMUEL FRENCH 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



CAUTION.— All persons are hereby warned that "THE GRAY OVER- 
COAT," being fully protected .under the copyright laws of the United 
States, is subject to royalty, and anyone presenting the play without 
the consent of the author or his agents, will be liable to the penalties 
by law provided. Application for stage rights must be made to 
Samuel French, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York. 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38th STREET 



London 

SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND 



>mc 



"THE GRAY OVERCOAT" 



A PLAY IN ONE ACT 

< 



BY 



WILLIAM R. RANDALL 



Copyright, 1915, by SAMUEL FRENCH 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 



CAUTION.— All persons are hereby warned that "THE GRAY OVER- 
COAT," beirg fully protected under the copyright laws of the United 
States, is subject to royalty, and anyone presenting the play without 
the consent of the author or his agents, will be liable to the penalties 
by law provided. Application for stage rights n.ust be made to 
Samuel French, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York. 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38th Street 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 
26 Southampton Street,' 

STRAND 



-fo^ 



A , 



i 

% 



\S 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT 

CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

r,TT.Ti<; A qentleman detective. 

Mortimer Curtis. a y polished 

Uo k a man of about joruy. *■>- r 

He %s a man u , ■/., J w j w has taken up 

TS^^jfeelZ^oi ts natural ability 
ffi£ for ^J^l^lat: 
SS T^ X H holds% Verier officers in 
ThPuttst content ^ : ^ frZLn 
Inspector Woodruff A J™ J mperiori ty 
origin who realises Curtis social v y 

and hates him accordingly. He must oe 

jAi T;«i si: of ^CurtI He is a small man, 
silent and of few -words. 

Pl.ce. The library of Inspector Woodruff's 

apartment. 



CI.D 41595 

i 30 1915 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT 



ACT I. 



Scene : — The set shows the library of Inspector 
Woodruff's apartment. There is a fire- 
place, with a fire burning in it, at r. 2 ; a door 
leading to the hall, r. 3 ; a triple French zvin- 
dozv with a window seat in front of it at c; a 
closet door, l. 3. The rest of the wall, l., is 
hidden to a height of about four feet by sec- 
tional book-cases. There is a library table, l. 
c, with an electric standlight and books and 
magazines on it, a chair R. of the table, an 
easy chair in front of the fire-place, and an- 
other chair up c. 

The only light in the room comes from the 
fire-place, the light on the table, zvhich is 
green shaded, and the moonlight outside. 

DISCOVERED: — At rise the stage is discovered 
empty. When the curtain is zvell up a clock 
strikes once. Woodruff enters quickly r. 3 
and closes the door after him. He wears 
black trousers and the uniform coat of an in- 
spector of police, and carries a gray overcoat 
over his arm. He locks the door and after 
listening for a moment turns the coat over on 
his arm and examines it. ' He exposes a 
ragged, three cornered tear on the outside of 
the coat. He looks at it closely, then at the 
door, r. 3, and shakes his head. Then he 

3 



4 THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 

crosses to the closet door, l. c, puts the coat in- 
side and locking the door, puts the key into 
his pocket, crosses back to the door, r. 3, 
listens, unlocks the door and suddenly throws 
it wide open. After a moment's pause he 
seems satisfied, closes the door again and 
crossing down to the table presses a button 
concealed under the lower edge of the table 
top. A bell rings off R. Then he crosses to 
the fire-place and stands looking into the fire 
as Fames enters, silently, r. 3, and stands zvait- 
ing- up c. Pause. 

Woodruff. (Still looking into the fire) Where 
were you when I came in just now? 

James. (He has the inspector's smoking jacket 
over his arm) In your room, sir, getting your 
smoking jacket. 

Woodruff. (Without looking up) Put it on 
the back of the chair. (James bows and obeys, 
putting it on the back of the chair, c.) Then you 
did not see me come in? 

Tames. (Turning and looking keenly at his 
back) No, sir. 

(Woodruff draws a deep breath, straightens up 
and turns with his back to the fire. James is 
c, waiting.) 

Woodruff. Has Curtis been here to-night? 

James. No, sir. 

Woodruff. (Crossing to the table) Con- 
found the fellow ! He comes when I send for 
him — or he stays away — as it suits his royal high- 
ness ! And .1, his superior, stand for it like a 
little lamb — because I can't get along without 
him ! And the worst of it all is he knows his 
value. (He picks up a magazine and impatiently 
runs over the pages, then throwing it dozvn he 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 5 

turns irritably to James) When, he does deign 
to show up, tell him to come in — I'm waiting for 
him. 

(James bows and exits, r. 3, first looking keenly 
toward the lower end of the book cases as 
Woodruff turns to the table again. After 
lie is well off Woodruff turns and crosses to 
r. 3, where he stands for a moment listen- 
ing. Then he slowly takes off his uniform 
coat and puts on the smoking jacket. He 
places the coat on the back of the chair, c, 
with the outside of it uppermost as on a coat 
hanger. He then crosses to the door, l. 3, un- 
locks it and is about to open it when there is a 
door slammed off R. He whirls around, looks at 
the door, r. 3., crosses quickly dozvn around 
the lower end of the table and sits with his 
back to the door, r. 3. He picks up a 
magazine and is apparently deeply interested 
in it when the door, r. 3, opens and Curtis 
enters. He advances deliberately for a step 
or two and stops. Curtis wears evening 
dress, white gloves and silk hat. His over- 
coat is thrown open showing the silk scarf 
hanging loosely about his neck. Woodruff 
lays down the magazine and turns in his 
chair so as to face Curtis.) 

Woodruff. Come in, Curtis. 

Curtis. Thank you, Mr. Inspector. (He 
does not move) 

Woodruff. (Galling under the detective's in- 
solent manner) Do you insist upon the Mister? 

Curtis. (Indifferently) It is not necessary to 
insist — with a gentleman. 

W t oodruff. (Wincing under the reprimand) 
Well, come in, Mr. Curtis. (Curtis bows, en- 
ters deliberately and goes down to fireplace, r., 



6 THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 

carefully removing his gloves. Explosively) Upon 
my soul I don't know why I tolerate your insolence ! 
Curtis. I have often wondered. 

Woodruff. No you haven't ! You 

Curtis. Perhaps not — but I never contradict. 

(Woodruff is stung by this thrust and shows it.) 

W 7 oodruff. You know that there isn't your 
equal on the force and — damn it you take ad- 
vantage. 

(Curtis shrugs his shoulders and turns to the 
fire. The instant his hack is turned to 
Woodruff his eyes search out every detail 
of the wall and mantel in front of him and 
finally drop to the fire. He speaks before 
moving.) 

Curtis. (Indifferently) You natter me, Mr. 
Inspector. 

Woodruff. (With forced courtesy, as he 
picks up a box of cigars from the table and holds 
it out to Curtis) Will you have a cigar? 

Curtis. (Without turning) Thanks no. But 
if it will not annoy you I'll smoke a cigarette . 

Woodruff. Help yourself. (Holds out a 
cigarette case that he has taken from his pocket) 
You ought to like these. 

Curtis. (Without turning) Thanks, I have 
my own. (Takes out a handsome cigarette case, 
selects a cigarette, takes out a silver match safe, 
lights cigarette and turns so as to face Woodruff, 
his back to the fire. During this business Woodruff 
plainly shows his anger and annoyance at Curtis' 
insolent manner) You sent for me, Mr. Inspector, 
I believe? 

Woodruff. Yes. 

Curtis. Will you allow me to mention the fact 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 7 

that I left a very enjoyable dinner party to com- 
ply with your request? 

Woodruff. {Surlily) And you want to get 
back? Humph! I suppose I must put up with 
such things when my best worker is a society pet. 

Curtis. {Quietly) You must. 

Woodruff. {Losing his temper and spring- 
ing to his feet) Oh, I must, must I? Well I'm 
not so sure. {Paces up and down) You know 
you ain't so damned good that there are not 
others. {Stops short in front of Curtis) And 
let me tell you one thing, Mister Curtis. You'll 
cut our so many dinners and theatres and such 
tom-foolery if you're going to stay on my staff. 
You never 

Curtis. {Who has remained motionless, 
calmly smoking) Really, Mr. Inspector, if that 
is all you wanted of me, I must ask to be ex- 
cused. 

Woodruff. (Snaps out) Well that ain't all! 
(Slight pause and his voice lowers to a more nor- 
mal key as he looks into Curtis' calm eyes) This 
is a matter of business. 

Curtis. Yours or mine ? 

Woodruff. The Pentington case. 

Curtis. Mine. I thought as much. 

Woodruff. {With suppressed rage) I am 
your superior. Don't forget that, my friend ! 

Curtis. (Drawing himself up and looking full 
at Woodruff) You never allow me to forget 
that I am obliged to take my orders from you. 

Woodruff. (Sharply) Then choose your 
words. 

Curtis. (Insolently) Believe me, I do. 

Woodruff. (Seems about to spring at 
Curtis) Damn you, Curtis! (Stops, pulls him- 
self together and then speaks in a slow measured 
tone) You're going to drive me a little too far 



8 THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 

some day, my friend, and then there'll be a 
scandal in the department. 

Curtis. (Slowly) You are quite right. 
There will be a scandal in the department. 

Woodruff. What do you mean by that? 

Curtis. (After idly shrugging his shoulders) 
Hadn't we better talk business ? It is more profit- 
able than mere conversation. 

Woodruff. (After looking steadily at Curtis. 
In a calm tone) Hm-ra-ra! I think we had. 
Won't you sit down? (Indicates chair) 

Curtis. Thank you, no. (Crosses c. and 
stops with his back to audience) I believe you 
spoke of the Pentington case. 

Woodruff. (Who has watched him cross, noiv 
turns to fire) Yes. The burglar has not been 
found nor the stolen jewels located. 

Curtis. (Who, the instant Woodruff's back 
is turned, has taken in every detail of the room, 
but now turns and looks keenly at the inspector) 
Did you know the Pentington house was entered 
again to-night? 

Woodruff. (Whirling around) No. 

Curtis. (Drily) I thought you didn't. 
(Watching Woodruff) This time the fellow left 
something behind him. 

Woodruff. What ? 

Curtis. A part of the gray overcoat he wore. 

Woodruff. (Quickly) Gray overcoat? 

Curtis. (Quietly) Does that surprise you? 

Woodruff. (Turning to the fireplace. Quietly) 
How did he do that? 

Curtis. (Looks keenly at Woodruff then 
goes up c. looking all about him) Caught it on a 
shutter hinge and tore a piece out. (Pause) I 
have the piece. 

Woodruff. (Interested, leans on the mantel 
and looks front. Sarcastically) And of course 
you have located your man. 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 9 

Curtis. (Standing by the chair with the coat 
on it. During this speech he watches Woodruff 
and runs his hand, over the coat until he feels the 
revolver in the inside pocket) Not positively but 
I have strong reason to believe that I will shortly 
be able to locate him. 

(Woodruff turns so suddenly that he almost 
catches Curtis with his hand on the coat.) 

Woodruff. Where ? 

Curtis. Somewhere in the city. 

W t oodruff. (Warningly) Be civil, Curtis! 
we can't afford to quarrel now. 

Curtis. You can't and I never quarrel. 
(Turns up to window and looks out) 

W t oodruff. I want to know who you have in 
mind. As the inspector in charge of the case I 
do not intend to be left in the dark. I detailed 
you on the case but all I have received so far is 
insolence — no information. It has gone far enough 
and to-morrow a new man will take your place. 
(Crosses to table) 

Curtis. (Whirling around from the' zvindozv 
and coming dozvn between the bookcase and the 
table) Mr. Inspector! (Woodruff is about to 
sit but stops and the tzvo men face each other 
across the table) To-morrow morning you may 
detail another man on the case and withdraw it 
from me — but to-night the case is in my hands. I 
have been at work on the case a week and now — 
it does not please me to go into details. (Pause) 
" Do we understand each other? 

Woodruff. (With suppressed rage) We do! 
And to-morrow you will be broke ! 

Curtis. Perhaps not! (There is a slight pause 
as the tzvo men glare at each other. Then Wood- 
ruff sits, takes up a cigar and lights it. Curtis 
straightens up, takes out another cigarette and lights 



io THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 

it. He turns and leans on the bookcase as he speaks, 
his arms outstretched so that his fingers touch the 
polished top at the back of the bookcase. He is 
facing front. In his insolent tone) And now, hav- 
ing come to this mutually agreeable understanding 
— have you any further orders on the subject? 

Woodruff. None. 

Curtis. Then I may as well — (He is about to 
turn zvhen his fingers touch a scratch on the top of 
the bookcase near the back. His manner instantly 
changes and he is on the alert but continues his 
speech in the same tone as, watching Woodruff, he 
runs his finger over the scratch) return to the ex- 
cellent dinner I left at your request. 

Woodruff. (Slowly) You might just as well. 

Curtis. (Suddenly) Is that clock right ? 

(Curtis indicates clock on mantel. Woodruff turns 
to look at it. The instant Woodruff's head is 
turned Curtis bends quickly over the bookcase, 
gives a keen glance at the scratch, straightens 
up, has his watch in his hand and is facing 
Woodruff as the hitter looks back at him.) 

Woodruff. Quite. 

Curtis. (Putting up his watch) Thanks. (His 
manner is more affable as he steps to the table) 
You were kind enough a moment ago to offer me a 
cigar — (Woodruff shoves the box toward Curtis) 
No, thanks, but I was going to take the liberty of 
asking for a glass of water. 

Woodruff. Wouldn't a highball be more palat- 
able ? 

Curtis. If you have it handy. (Woodruff 
reaches under the table and pushes the button. ■ Bell 
rings off r. Curtis watches his every move. There 
is a slight pause before Curtis speaks, thought- 
fully) Mr. Inspector, perhaps I did take advantage 



i 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT. n 

of the value you have been good enough to put to 
my service, in speaking as I did just now. 

(James enters and stands by the door r. 3.) 

Woodruff. Highballs, James. 

James. Yes, sir. (Exits r. 3) 

Curtis. And although I have spent so much 
time on the case that I do not feel I can afford to 
take even my superior into my confidence — still I 
may give you a hint by asking if you have in your 
private collection a photo of the second story man 
known as the Gray Rat ? 

Woodruff. (Quickly, looking up) Why yes, I 
have. 

Curtis. Would it be asking too much to let me 
see it ? 

Woodruff. (Looks at Curtis) Not at all! Til 
get it. (He crosses to the door r. 3 and exits. The 
instant Woodruff is gone Curtis goes quickly up 
to the zvindozv, examines the catch, opens the win- 
dow, looks out, closes it carefully, but not tightly, 
goes dozvn to the inspectors coat, takes the gun from 
the pocket, extracts the cartridges which he drops 
into his own pocket, puts back the gun and, crossing 
quickly dozvn l., is in his former position by the 
bookcase when James enters with the bottles and 
glasses on the tray. James crosses down and places 
the tray' on the lower end of the table) 

Curtis. Jimmy. 

James. (Facing him across the table) Yes, Mr. 
Curtis. 

Curtis. Have you located the swag? 

James. Some of it, sir. 

Curtis. Where ? 

James. Loose tile in the fire-place. (Crosses to. 
the fire-place quickly and points out the place, zvhich 
is on the lower inside of fire-place and so out of 
view of the audience) Here. (Crosses back to 



12 THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 

table) The necklace is under a loose board in the 
window seat. 

Curtis. You saw Woodruff place it there? 

James. Yes, sir. 

Curtis. And the rest? 

James. 1 don't know, sir. 

Curtis. (Who has been looking steadily at him) 
Nothing behind the book-case? 

James. {After a slight pause) Not that I know 
of, sir. 

Curtis. You understand your part of to-night's 
work ? 

James. Yes, sir. 

Curtis. (Looking tozvard r. 3) The inspector ! 

(James promptly but deliberately makes the high- 
balls as Woodruff enters carrying a small 
photo. Curtis crosses and meets him c.) 

Woodruff. (As he hands the picture to Curtis) 
A good likene,ss, too. 

Curtis. (Looking at picture) H-m-m! Thanks. 
(Hands it back to Woodruff) 

(James exits and Woodruff crosses to table. He 
puts down the photo and picks up the two 
glasses. Handing one to Curtis he holds up 
his ozvn.) 

Woodruff. Here's to a better understanding be- 
tween us and hoping the Pentington man is caught. 

Curtis. (Looking keenly at Woodruff) To a 
better understanding between us and hoping the 
Pentington man is caught. (They drink. Curtis 
hands his glass to Woodruff) Good, night, Mr. 
Inspector. 

Woodruff. Good-night, Mr. Curtis. (Curtis 
exits, r. 3, and Woodruff stands c, watching him 
off. Then he turns and thoughtfully puts the 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 13 

glasses on the table) Is it the Gray Rat he suspects 
or was that some ruse of his? (Suddenly) And 
that overcoat ! (He crosses up l. and is about to 
open the closet door when James quietly enters and 
stands, obsequiously, by the door, r. 3. Woodruff 
turns sharply) Well, what do you want? 

James. The tray, sir. 

Woodruff. (Coming down between the book- 
case and table) Take it. (James comes down and 
lifts the tray. He is about to turn up with it when 
Woodruff turns to the book-case. James stops 
short and watches him. Woodruff takes out a 
book and turns. James turns up with the tray, but 
Woodruff has caught James watching, and stands 
motionless looking after him until he reaches the 
door, r, 3. Woodruff speaks like a pistol shot) 
James ! 

James. (Turning) Yes, sir. 

(Both men look steadily at each other for a moment 
and then Woodruff speaks in a normal key.) 

Woodruff. That will be all for to-night, James. 
James. Yes. sir. (Exits, r. 3) 

(W t oodruff crosses and stops in front of table, 

listening.) 

Woodruff. I don't like that fellow's silent ways. 
I'll keep my eye on him. (Slight pause, then he 
throws the book on the table and crosses up to door, 
R. 3. He stops and listens, then silently opening the 
door, he exits) 

(There is a slight pause and Curtis, wearing a cap 
pulled well down over his eyes, a pea jacket and 
the lower part of his face covered by a red 
bandana handkerchief, rises to viezv outside the 
window. He pushes the window open and 



i 4 THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 

silently enters, closing the window after him. 
He goes down to the table and turns off the 
electric light, then crosses to the fireplace and, 
after looking around, kicks the fender. Then 
he bends over the fire-place and works at the 
loose tile mentioned by James. While he is 
doing this Woodruff enters silently, sees him 
and crossing to his coat takes out the gun. 
Then he stands motionless and waits. Curtis 
throws out the tile and stands up holding a 
jewel case in his hand. This he opens, show- 
ing a bracelet in the firelight. He snaps the 
box shut and turns up stage. Woodruff steps 
down and the two men face each other. Curtis 
starts back in apparent surprise and his hand 
flies to his coat pocket, Woodruff raises his 
gun quickly and speaks sharply.) 

Woodruff. None of that ! 

Curtis. (Recoiling a step, dropping his hand to 
his side and speaking in a husky voice) Oh, I ain't 
goin' to do nothin'. 

Woodruff. You're dead right, you're not. Who 
are you ? 

Curtis. Oh, just a friend dropped in to spend 
the evenin' with you. 

Woodruff. Don't waste words ! Who are you ? 
(Pause) Let's see your face! 

Curtis. You've got me. all right, but you must 
think I'm easy to let you see me much. 

Woodruff. (Roughly) Take off that bandana 
■ — do you hear ? (Makes a step forward and reaches 
for the handkerchief. Curtis instantly grabs the 
gun hand, zvhirls around and throivs the arm over 
his shoulder, pulling down at the same time. Wood- 
ruff gives a cry and drops the gun. Curtis kicks 
the gun over toward the table and as Woodruff 
aims a blow at his head jumps back to the table. 
Woodruff jumps after him but Curtis instantly has 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 15 

a gun out which he jams into Woodruff's stomach. 
Both men remain motionless for an instant and then 
Curtis slowly leans back against the table, chuck- 
ling) 

Curtis. Never try boarding, mate, till you're 
dead certain you've silenced the enemy's guns. 

Woodruff. (Quickly) A sailor, eh? 

Curtis. (Sarcastically) Well! well! Here's a 
leadsman what knows 'ow ! Good sounding, mate, 
good sounding ! Found bottom with only six fathom 
o' line ! But it's shallow water for a freighter. 
What if I am a sailor man, eh? 

Woodruff. It'll be easier to locate you— if you 
get away this time. 

Curtis. Oh, I'll get away all right, see if I don't. 

Woodruff. (Thoughfiilly) East Sider, too. 

Curtis. Right again ! Blow me but you're a 
smart un. You — you never had much dealin' with 
real crooks, now did ye? 

Woodruff. (Quickly) Then you don't know 
me? 

Curtis. (Twirling his gun) I've often won- 
dered what your name might be. Ye've done some 
slick work but, as I tell ye, ye've never mixed up 
much with the e-lite of our profession. 

Woodruff. (Warily) I've had some experience 
with your class. 

Curtis. No you ain't. Ye're a loner or else 
ye've worked with longshoremen or cabin boys. 
Wiry don't you hobnob with the able seamen of the 
profession ? Don't ye know better'n to try the same 
crib twice ? 

Woodruff. Crib? Say, what do you take me 
for? 

Curtis. (Straightening up and putting the gun 
in his pocket but still holding it) Not to 'urt ye're 
feelings — a grreefi un. 

Woodruff. Do you mean that I 

Curtis. (Laughing hoarsely) Don't make me 
laugh — I've got a stummick ache. 



16 THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 

Woodruff. (Jumping forward) Why, damn 
you 

Curtis. (Whipping out gun) Hard a port, 
mate, hard a port — There's reefs dead ahead. 
(Pause) Now you back water to that fireplace and 
moor. (Pause) Come on, now, full speed astern! 
(Woodruff backs to fireplace) Now don't cut 
yer cable or I'll let loose a broadside. I'm goin' to 
cruise about this 'ere room a bit. (With his eye on 
Woodruff he goes up to the windozv seat and after 
fumbling about pulls up a loose board and feels 
under it, bringing to light a casket. He brings it 
down to the table and, with his back to Woodruff, 
starts to open it. Woodruff jumps forward but 
Curtis drops the casket on the table, whips out his 
gun and meets Woodruff with his back to the 
table. Brutally) Now you slip ye're mooring 
again Mr. Second Story-man, and I'll put such a 
dent in ye're fightin' top that you won't do no more 
Pentington jobs in a hurry ! 

Woodruff. (Slowly as he backs to fireplace) 
And you think that was my work? 

Curtis. Think ! Hell no, I don't think — I 
know ! 

W t oodruff. And how do you know? 

Curtis. How did this Pentington swag get 
here ? 

Woodruff. I don't known. 

Curtis. (Banteringly) 'Course ye don't know ! 
Well, I'll teli ye. A little sparrer opened yer win- 
dow, took a tile out of yer fireplace and put the 
bracelet there. And then he done the same trick 
at the cosy corner there. Bright little bird, ain't 
he? (Sudden change) Now, where's the rest? 

Woodruff. Suppose you find it. 

Curtis. An' I can do that, too — 'Cause why? 
'Cause I was lookin' in at that winder when ye was 
trimmin' cargo. 

Woodruff. (In amazement) Oh, you were? 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 17 

Curtis. Yes, I were! (Banteringly) Now, if 
ye'll stay where ye are, mebbe I can help ye find 
the rest of it. Don't happen to remember puttin' 
none of it behind that book-case, do ye? (Jerks 
his thumb over his shoulder) 

Woodruff. (Coolly) I guess you can find it if 
I did. 

Curtis. Humph ! Got ye guessin', have I ? 
(Straightens up) Well, I'll just look. (Starts to 
turn but stops. Speaks meaningly) An' I'll tell 
ye what, old top ; if ye're wise, ye'll stay put. 
(Quickly crosses r. of table and swings quickly 
around so as to face Woodruff, who has not 
moved. Laughs shortly and with a quick motion 
pulls the book-case part way out, steps before the 
opening, looks at Woodruff and zvith a quick move- 
ment steps behind it and gets a large casket. He 
crosses to the table, lays the casket down and, open- 
ing it, shozvs it full of jewels, looks up) Good 
haul, Matey, even if ye did do it like a am-i-toor. 

Woodruff. Any further investigations that you 
would like to make? 

Curtis. Oh, I don't know. (Looks around the 
room, leisurely. Suddenly) What's in that closet? 
(Indicates door, l. 3) 

Woodruff. (Quickly) Nothing! 

Curtis. (Twirling gun) Don't like the way you 
say it, Matey. (Drops the gun into his pocket) 
I'll look. (He goes up to the door and tries it. 
Woodruff moves a step or two forward and looks 
dozvn at the gun) Locked, eh? That don't often 
stop yours truly. (Takes out a jimmy and pries 
open the door. As Curtis's doing this, Woodruff 
steals forward, picks up his gun and drops quickly 
back to the fireplace. Curtis brings out the over- 
coat) Hello, what's this? (Turns the coat over so 
as to expose the tear) Looks like 

Woodruff. (Showing gun) Hands up! 
Quick ! 



18 THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 

Curtis. (Dropping the coat and throwing up his 
hands) Caught ! 

Woodruff. You are, my friend, caught with the 
goods. 

Curtis. (Coming down between the table and 
book-case) You can't do nothin', Matey. You're 
the guilty man — not me. 

Woodruff. You think so, do you? Well, I 
don't. I am INSPECTOR WOODRUFF! How 
these jewels got here, I don't know. 

Curtis. (Sneering) Of course you don't; nor 
the overcoat, neither, perhaps ? 

Woodruff. I think the overcoat is yours 

Curtis. That's likely, ain't it? How'd it come 
in your closet then ? 

Woodruff. The same way that the jewels came 
to be in my rooms. 

Curtis. That's no lie. 

Woodruff. Put on the overcoat. 

Curtis. Not on yer life ! I'm on to you. You 
want me to put it on and then you'll call for help. 
You'd have me then, for sure. 

Woodruff. Put it on ! 

Curtis. (Leaning forward so that his hands rest 
on the table, one hand on the lower edge so that his 
fingers touch the button) I'm damned if I will! 
(Presses the button and the bell rings off r.) 

Woodruff. Take your hand off that table ! 

(James enters, silently, r. 3, and stands waiting.) 

Curtis. (Quietly, without moving) The gun 
is quite empty, Mr. Inspector — so you might as well 
put it on the table. You won't need it at head- 
quarters. (Woodruff quickly opens the gun and 
looks up as Curtis pulls down the bandana so that 
it hangs about his neck, and pushes the cap back on 
his head. Woodruff steps back in amazement) 
Jimmie. 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 19 

James. {Coming down c.) Yes, sir. 

Curtis. You have heard our conversation? 

James. Yes, sir. 

Curtis. Good ! And now, you may take In- 
spector Woodruff to headquarters. Just help him 
on with these. (Throws hand-cuffs on the table, 
Jimmie picks them up) One moment, Jimmie. It's 
cold outside — you'd better wear my overcoat. 

(Takes off his overcoat, under which he wears his 
evening dress vest. The handkerchief is still 
hanging about his neck. Jimmie turns to 
Woodruff with a malicious grin. Curtis 
drops his awn overcoat, quickly picks up the 
other one, goes around behind table and slips 
it on Jimmie. Jimmie does not notice what 
coat he has on. It fits him perfectly) 

Woodruff. Do you think I'll submit to being 
hand-cuffed ? 

Curtis. It would be the wisest course. Now, 
Jimmie. 

(Jimmie slips one hand-cuff on Woodruff and the 
other on his- own wrist.) 

Woodruff. (As he .is hand-cuffed, to James) 
You'll be paid for this, Curtis. 

Curtis. (Lighting a cigarette) I expect to be. 

Woodruff. And you think for one moment that 
I am implicated in the Pentington case? 

Curtis. The jewels were found in your apart- 
ments. 

Woodruff. Well, I didn't put them there. 

Curtis. {Coolly) I know it. 

(Jimmie glances quickly at Curtis who does not 
notice him.) 



20 THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 

Woodruff. (Amazed) You know it ! Why — 

Curtis. I told you that the burglar who has 

twice entered the Pentington mansion wore a torn 

gray overcoat- That overcoat was found in this 

room. 

(Curtis watches James who starts but keeps his 
eye on Woodruff.) 

Woodruff. (Explosively) I found that coat be- 
hind the buffet in ury dining room. 

Curtis. I don't doubt it. 

Woodruff. You don't doubt — Then why in 
hell are you accusing me 

Curtis. I haven't accused you of anything, Mr. 
Inspector. I merely said that the man who wore 
the gray overcoat committed the Pentington bur- 
glaries. You couldn't get into that overcoat to save 
your soul, but — (Points at James) IT FITS 
JIMMIE PERFECTLY ! ( Jimmie has been group- 
ing uneasy and nozv looks quickly at Curtis and 
down at his overcoat. When he sees zvhat he is 
wearing he gives a cry and bolts for the door. The 
handcuffed wrist stops him with a jerk) Don't 
hurry, James. You'll get there just as quickly with 
Mr. Inspector. 

' Woodruff. (To James) No, you don't! (To 
Curtis) And all this business — (Waves his free 
hand about) was just a ruse. 

Curtis. That's all. But I'll be frank. I did 
suspect you until — until Jimmie forgot the jewels 
behind the book-case. Will you take said Jimmie to 
headquarters, Mr. Inspector, or shall I ? 

Woodruff. (Decidedly) I will. (Crosses to R. 
3 with James. Stops and turns at the door) Mr. 
Curtis, I don't think we'll have any further mis- 
understandings. I take off my hat to you — you're a 
damned smart man ! 

Curtis. Thank you, Mr. Inspector. (Bows 
slightly ) 



THE GRAY OVERCOAT. 21 

Woodruff. (Turning suddenly at the door) 
Inspector ! I'm a hell of an inspector ! (Exit) 

CURTAIN. 

(2nd Curtain. Curtis is putting on the pea jacket 
and settling the cap over his eyes. He drops 
the jewels into his pocket and is crossing to 
door, r. 3, at CURTAIN.) 



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